Timothy Welbeck

The National Park Service removed an exhibit on slavery at the President’s House site in Philadelphia on Jan. 22, 2026. AP Photo/Matt Rourke

May 20, 2026

Philadelphia will celebrate Ona Judge Day to honor Martha Washington’s enslaved maid who made a daring escape to freedom

Timothy Welbeck, Temple University

Ona Judge was 1 of 9 people George Washington owned when he lived in the President’s House in Philadelphia. The city will recognize her legacy each May 21.

The National Park Service removed an exhibit on slavery at the President’s House site in Philadelphia on Jan. 22, 2026. AP Photo/Matt Rourke

February 11, 2026

Martha Washington’s enslaved maid Ona Judge made a daring escape to freedom – but the National Park Service has erased her story from Philadelphia exhibit

Timothy Welbeck, Temple University

Ona Judge was one of 9 people George Washington owned when he lived in the President’s House in Philadelphia.

Martha Yates Jones and Pinkie Yates sit in a decorated buggy for Juneteenth 1908 in front of Houston’s Antioch Baptist Church. African American Library at The Gregory School, Houston Public Library

June 16, 2025

What’s the right way to mark Juneteenth? The newest US holiday is confusing Americans

Timothy Welbeck, Temple University

As one critic asked, has Juneteenth devolved ‘into an exploitative and profit-driven enterprise for companies that disregard the true significance of this day to the Black community?’

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Philadelphia will celebrate Ona Judge Day to honor Martha Washington’s enslaved maid who made a daring escape to freedom

Martha Washington’s enslaved maid Ona Judge made a daring escape to freedom – but the National Park Service has erased her story from Philadelphia exhibit

What’s the right way to mark Juneteenth? The newest US holiday is confusing Americans

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